The hospitality industry plays a crucial role in driving sustainable tourism, balancing luxury with environmental responsibility. In line with this vision, Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) is setting new benchmarks in sustainability across its Delhi-NCR properties. As World Water Day and Earth Hour coincide on March 22, 2025—also marking the anniversary of Paathya, IHCL's pioneering ESG++ framework—the company celebrates a triple milestone in its commitment to resource conservation and community engagement.
From advanced water recycling at Taj Mahal, New Delhi, to high-efficiency treatment plants at Taj Palace and innovative water conservation at Taj Surajkund and Taj Damdama Lake Resort, IHCL properties are implementing cutting-edge solutions to minimize their environmental impact. Complementing these efforts, immersive guest experiences and awareness initiatives during Earth Hour reinforce IHCL’s leadership in sustainable hospitality. Through innovation and responsible stewardship, IHCL demonstrates how luxury hospitality can champion sustainability while delivering exceptional guest experiences.
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At Taj Mahal, New Delhi, a LEED Platinum and EarthCheck Platinum certified property, water conservation efforts have achieved remarkable success, with recycling efficiency increasing from 53% to 80% this fiscal year and an impressive 98% of treated water now being reused. The hotel’s chemical-free water recycling Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) treats and recycles upto 60,000 liters of laundry wastewater daily, significantly reducing its dependence on freshwater sources. Complementing this is the hotel’s in-house bottling plant that replaces thousands of plastic bottles with elegant reusable glass alternatives. Additionally, the hotel's 400 KLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) uses eco-friendly biological processes instead of chemicals, creating high-quality water for gardens and cooling systems.Beyond its walls, Taj Mahal, New Delhi is partnering with local NGOs to bring clean drinking water to underserved communities through educational sessions and the installation of sustainable water purifiers.
With the finest equipment and most advanced technology, the Water Treatment and Bottling Plant at Taj Palace, New Delhi produces the highest quality of drinking water through a three-step process of reverse osmosis, ozonation and UV technology. Water conservation measures extend throughout the property with altered aerators and sensor-based taps in public areas achieving 80-85% water savings. The hotel’s advanced ETP recycles laundry water, conserving upto 80 KL daily, while the upgraded STP withMBR technologytreats upto 450 KLD of water which is used for cooling towers, horticulture and flashing purposes. To reduce energy and water usage, the hotel uses an indigenous condensate heat recovery system that repurposes steam from the laundry for hot water generation. A 700-meter dedicated pipeline ensures treated water reaches landscaping areas outside the hotel property, maximizing the use of recycled water resources.
At the EarthCheck Platinum certified Taj Surajkund Resort & Spa, Delhi NCR sustainability is an intrinsic part of daily operations. The hotel recycles 3,500 KL of water monthly through its advanced treatment facilities like STP and ETP. This reclaimed water nourishes the resort’s lush gardens and supplements cooling systems. Throughout the property, thoughtfully designed water-saving fixtures like dual-flush toilets, sensor-based mixers, and aerators in showerheads are installed to preserve resources without compromising guest comfort. The resort’s in-house bottling plant further reinforces its dedication towards reducing both water waste and plastic use by efficiently processing 14 KL of water.
Taj Damdama Lake Resort & Spa, Gurugram is expanding its sustainability footprint with three innovative water conservation initiatives. The resort's comprehensive STP recycling program redirects treated wastewater to cooling towers, irrigation, and cleaning operations. An in-house water bottling plantis currently being installed,while the implementation of sensor-operated hand wash stations throughout the property ensures optimal water usage through touch-free technology. Additionally, The Connaught New Delhi – IHCL SeleQtions and Ambassador New Delhi – IHCL SeleQtions source up to 10% of their energy from PV solar power and utilize recycled water for guest room flushing, promoting sustainable operations.
In observance of Earth Hour, IHCL properties across Delhi-NCR will host candlelight experiences like mini-concerts and candlelight jazz for their guests, creating immersive experiences whileinspiring guests and employees to embrace sustainable practices through awareness campaigns.In a creative display of sustainable innovation, Taj Mahal, New Delhi’s engineering team will present a kinetic-energy powered lighting installation – cycling to generate light – within the unique setting of a sustainable village.
As the hospitality industry evolves to meet new environmental challenges, IHCL's Delhi NCR properties showcase how luxury hospitality can implement meaningful solutions that safeguard resources for future generations.
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